The Wandong History Group was formed to collate, catalogue and preserve the past history of Wandong and Heathcote Junction for the benefit of future generations.

HISTORY

The Wandong History Group (WHG) evolved when a group of local residents recognised that before it was too late, there was the urgent need to collate, catalogue and preserve the past history of Wandong and Heathcote Junction for the benefit of future generations. Wandong - Heathcote Junction has a unique and interesting settlement and social history that included one of Victoria's largest timber and seasoning operations. Wandong was a hive of activity during the mid-1880s with tramways, a seasoning works, joinery and terra cotta lumber plant, as well as a coffee palace and boarding house, all built around a privately created subdivision owned by Robert Affleck Robertson. The Mt. Disappointment area was also home to prisoners of war who worked in forest camps during World War II. Wandong also laid claim to initiating the first Country Music Festival during the 1970s. Wandong and Heathcote Junction have many unexplored stories yet to be told

The WHG held its first formal meeting on 26 September 2012 when office bearers were elected and at a subsequent meeting it was unanimously decided to apply to be an Incorporated Group. The WHG is a not for profit group and any membership fees, donations, fund raising money will be put toward the collation, cataloguing and preserving our history.

The Wandong History Group has elected to adopt the Model Rules for an Incorporated Association [Associations Incorporation Act 1981]

MEMBERSHIP

Membership fees will be set at Annual General Meetings. Financial members are encouraged to participate in Group activities and in discussion at monthly meetings.

OPERATION

The Wandong History Group initially aims to collate, record and store information on the history of Wandong - Heathcote Junction. It is intended to meet monthly and all residents interested in the great history of our towns would be most welcome to participate.

The Group will meet regularly and consensus decision making will be adopted. Regular history presentations will be conducted for the benefit of residents and visitors.

An enjoyable day was held last month for the History Groups Open Day at the Wandong Hall showcasing the Sawmilling History that once was at Heathcote Junction years ago. About 60 people from around the area mingled throughout the hall during the day viewing the displays that adorned the hall. Lovely to see the two granddaughters of Robert Affleck Robertson, Hilary and Brenda make the big journey from Melbourne to visit, and the other visitors that travel great distances to support our day. I’d like to thank the combined effort of the History Group Committee, and Karen who worked tirelessly for months preparing the displays and the WHJCG providing the sausage sizzle.

Membership fees are now due for those that haven’t paid. Anyone who would like to join and become members you are welcome. It would be great to see a few new faces and have extra assistance in the many tasks that we need help with. We are only a small group and the committee also wear hats for other Wandong Committees. Membership fees are $10 for single and $15 for family.

We were unsuccessful with the ‘Pick My Project’, funding in having the 1920’s hut relocated and restored for a Visitors Information space. Hopefully there will be funding down the track we can apply for to pursue this dream. Many thanks to all the people who supported the group and voted.

Tickets are now on sale for our combined raffle with the WHJCG, this year there are 3 prizes, each basket is filled with toys and goodies, the perfect winning gift for Christmas, the drawing will take place December 16th at the Christmas Carols, so there is time to purchase your tickets and help support both the history and the WHJCG. If any-body can help out selling a book of tickets please let me know. Our last meeting for the year will be next month December 6th at the Hall for anybody wishing to attend.

Until Next Month

Di Vidal (Secretary) Contact: 57871 314

wandonghistorygroup4gmail.com

Attention, Businesses and Local groups

The Wandong History Group is putting together a pack of local information to help both new and old residents learn a little about our history and what services, businesses and groups operate in the area. If your business or group would like to be involved with this please contact the Wandong History Group via email wandonghistorygroup4@gmail.com or phone 57871314